Guided Backpacking

  • Introductory Beginner Backpacking

    Discover the thrill of backcountry travel wih everything you need on your back. Our experienced guides will teach you everything you need to know from packing your bag to pitching your tent. Learn essential skils, explore stunning wilderness areas, and grow with our guides. No experience necessary. We provide the gear and guidance, you bring the enthusiasm.

  • Experienced Mileage Focused Trips

    Crush your backpacking goals with expert guidance. Join our guides for a high-mileage journey through breathtaking landscapes. Push your limits in a supportive and motivating environment. Whether training for a thru hike or just wanting to challenge yourself, our guides will help you crush your goals. Trail options include: Art Loeb Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail, custom loops or traverses, and many more.

  • Custom Trip Plans

    Looking for a unique backcountry trip? Work with us to plan your own custom backpacking trip on a route designed by us or you. Custom trips can be planned for beginners or experienced hikers and backpackers looking to explore new areas under the guidance of trained professionals. Trips offered across Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests.

  • Backcountry Glamping

    Indulge in backcountry luxury! We take care of everything, so you can focus on the adventure! All gear portered is in and camp setup is complete before your arrival. Enjoy guided hikes, breathtaking scenery and elevated backcountry dining. Unwind in style with a seamless, stress-free adventure and campfire ambiance. The ultimate backcountry getaway!

Pricing

All guided backpacking pricing is listed as per day per person rates.

Equipment and meal plan incuded for additional daily rate.

Rental Equipment inlcudes: Sleeping bags, Sleeping Bag Liners, Sleeping Pads, Tents, Cookware, Water Filtration, Bear Canisters, Trekking Poles, Camp Tarps, and more.

Rock Climbing Experience can be included for an additional rate on certain trips.

Gratuities are appreciated but not required.

  • Prices listed as per day per person:

    2 people - $300/day per person

    3-5 people - $250/day per person

    6-8 people - $225/day per person

    9-10 people - $200/day per person

    Equipment included for $25/day per person

    Meal Plan included for $15/day per person

    Add Rock Climbing to your overnight or custom backpacking trip for $90 per person.

  • Contact us for pricing.

  • Custom coaching and overnight or multi-day trips available upon request. Drop box and food resupply planning, route finding, navigation, and more!

    Adventure Grown Guides share 15,000+ miles of long distance hiking trails completed between its guides. Our thru hike resumes include trails such as: Applachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail, Benton Mackaye Trail, Wind River High Route, and more.

FAQs

How many miles will we hike each day?

Our hiking mileage is overall determined by the clients on the trip. Our introductory beginner trips may cover as little as 2-5 miles per day or as many as desired by the participants. Our guides are happy to plan trips with up to 15-20 miles per day for those looking for an experienced, mileage focused backpacking experience. Our expert guides will overall make decisions to prioritize the safety of those on the trip and may limit mileage upon an assessment of clients abilities.

Do I need to bring my own gear/equipment?

We are happy to provide equipment on all guided backpacking trips for an additional daily rate. Some clients choose to bring their own equipment and we support this as long as we can approve that your equipment is safe and functional for the trip planned. Our rental equipment includes: backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping bag liners, sleeping pads, tents, water filtration, cookware, bear canisters, trekking poles, backcountry-loo supplies and camp tarps. Our clients provide their own clothing and shoes, rain gear, personal hygiene products, headlamp, and two 1-liter water bottles.

Do I need to pack my own meals and snacks?

We are happy to provide all meals, snacks, and beverage options for an additional daily rate. We are happy to support dietary preferences and allergies with keeping in mind that options may be limited due to the nature of the activity. If you choose to bring your own meals and snacks we are happy to provide a sample menu of options and guidance in appropriate backcountry meal options. You are always welcome to supplement our meal plan with your own meals or snacks.

What if it rains?

Rain is a common part of mountain life in western North Carolina. We plan our trips to be rain or shine as long as the forecasted weather does not pose a serious safety concern. Our experienced guides have many rainy miles recorded in their personal experiences and are happy to coach along the hike on ways to stay safe and as comfortable as possible during rainy conditions. We also provide large, group backpacking tarps to create protected spaces during rain. In the event that rain poses a safety risk, we may offer a refund or an opportunity to reschedule your trip. If the forecast predicts rain that does not pose a safety risk, we are still happy to reschedule when possible but cancelled bookings may be subject to our cancellation policy.